Battlefields Tour 2024

In early October 2024, I joined a Mat McLaughlin tour of the First World War Battlefields of France and Belgium. During those four days, we visited many of the places significant in the Australian experience of that war. It was one of the best historical educations I have received . Walking those battlefields, seeing the cemeteries, visiting the Museums and Memorial Parks, was, at times, a profoundly moving experience. I now understand so much more about that war and how it played out for  Australians involved, from commanders to foot-soldiers. 

Join me on that pilgrimage, in the posts below.


Fromelles, finally

A diary account of my visit to this First World War battlefield, October 2024.

Ypres Salient

Day 2 of a battlefields tour : Messines, Polygon Wood, Passchendaele, Menin Gate Memorial, and more.

Brothers in Arms

A battlefield memorial unlike any other

Bullecourt

The battlefield and the town memorials.

 The Somme

Are there any two words which speak more strongly to Australians of the horrors of the Western Front? But there's more to learn here.

Le Hamel

The Monash legend is established. Is it justified?

Villers Bretonneux

The heart of Australian remembrance of service and sacrifice in the Great War.

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